What to eat Cape Verde? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Dining options vary from one island to another, and even from one village to another. This also applies to the hours, and in some places, you can eat at any time. It is not uncommon to see Cape Verdeans sitting down in restaurants in the morning to have breakfast. Also, many establishments have the habit of opening relatively early to serve the famous cachupa, in all the islands, including in more touristy areas like Sal. Restaurants serving more specific cuisine, such as pizzerias, French cuisine or churrasquerias, will open at more traditional hours, from noon for lunch. Let's not forget that the locals love to travel on weekends with their families or groups, to spend long hours at the table (especially if there is a buffet), especially on the beach. This quickly gives the place a very festive atmosphere, if there is music, and there is a good chance that this is the case.

The cost of living in Cape Verde is estimated to be 40% lower than Western standards, especially for eating out on the islands. Nevertheless, for a developing country, prices in Cape Verde can sometimes be surprising. This is the case on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, which are very touristy and relatively expensive.

In restaurants and cafés, service is included in the bill. Tipping is therefore by no means compulsory, but it is highly appreciated and left to the customer's discretion, counting for a minimum of 10% of the bill.

Children are welcome in restaurants. However, it is rare to see special menus for them on the menu or on the menu cards. As the dishes on offer are perfectly suited to the particular tastes of young children - grilled meat or fish as much as the local cachupa - they will certainly find something to their liking.

Tobacco legislation does not prohibit smoking in restaurants or cafés.

A little gourmet break is a must when you're exploring Praia or Mindelo, or after a long walk on the beach, just to recharge your batteries. You're sure to find a patisserie, ice-cream parlour or snack bar offering sweet treats close to your destination. These establishments are usually open all afternoon, so that everyone can enjoy them at their own pace. A good cup of locally-produced coffee accompanied by bolachas or a pastel de nata, and that's it!

Like the musical expression of the morna, the grog has become a national symbol. You'll find Cape Verdeans sitting or standing at the bar at aperitif time, giving free rein to this convivial habit. The opportunity to toast with your new friends will soon arrive, and they'll be more than happy to let you taste their regional or local specialty, or a brand new flavored punch recipe they're proud of. If these beverages are too strong for your taste, try a Strela, the only nationally brewed beer, to be drunk ice-cold.

Take children on excursions to moonlit volcanoes, swim with turtles, show them the colorful boats on the beaches or let them taste the tropical fruits in the markets... Cape Verde is a destination where children will have plenty to marvel at and experience adventures. Some establishments even offer special menus, but if this isn't the case, simple local dishes based on fish, chicken and rice are sure to appeal to the little ones. And don't forget that you can always order a plate of French fries or choose to dine directly at a pizzeria - no surprises, but always effective.